The gamecube design isn't really a fail, because I really liked the gamecube and as a hardcore gamer, the colour didn't turn me or people I know away from it. Also the cartridges thing is abit of an opinion as well, CD games were pretty good, but one thing Nintendo consoles did right and still do better than other companies is No Loading Times. In comparison to alot of games, Nintendo's games have very little if any loading times.
Also the whole thing with Sony wasn't really them "kicking ass" because they stole alot of Idea's from Nintendo, I.E Rumble, Analog Sticks, Motion Controls. But yeah, alot of those are where the Big N fails, especially with lack of games with online play!